The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Introduction
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through your home. These delightful treats are a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies take a beloved recipe and elevate it to new heights with the addition of browned butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Prepare to impress your friends and family with these soft, chewy, and chocolatey cookies.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should choose this particular recipe for chocolate chip cookies. First, it uses browned butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that truly enhances the overall taste. Second, the combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness while keeping the cookies chewy. Lastly, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a hit with everyone!
How to Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a batch of these delicious treats:
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate
Directions
- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and scrape the butter every 10 to 15 seconds. The butter will melt, foam, and then begin to brown. Once you see small brown bits and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well with a silicone spatula.
- Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with the cookie dough and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until it’s scoopable.
- Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes, until puffed and light golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and let them cool on the baking sheet before serving.
How to Serve The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or even hot chocolate for a delightful treat. They also make fantastic gifts when packed in a jar or a decorative box.
How to Store The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag and separate layers with parchment paper.
Tips to Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure to use room temperature eggs for a better mix.
- Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and helps create a thicker cookie.
- If you prefer crispy edges, bake for an additional minute or two.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Variations
You can easily customize this cookie recipe. Consider adding chopped nuts, a splash of espresso powder for a richer flavor, or using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter provides a better flavor and texture for these cookies.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for later use.
3. What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Check that your butter is not too warm when mixing the dough. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Enjoy your baking adventure with The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies! You and your loved ones are in for a sweet treat that is sure to create some delicious memories.
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter Browned before use
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar Pack firmly
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg At room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk At room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Plus more for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Or roughly chopped chocolate
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and scrape the butter every 10 to 15 seconds until melted, foamed, and browned.
- Remove the butter from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well with a silicone spatula.
- Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until scoopable.
- Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes, until puffed and light golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, and let them cool on the baking sheet before serving.
